The Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun has claimed that taxi drivers are fleecing commuters and have taken a complaint on the matter to the Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo.
However, when contacted, the local taxi association refuted the claim, saying that the rate remains the same – Rs 30 from Motphran to Mawlai Bus Stand.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the DC today, Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun president Samuel Biam said that the organisation understands that taxi driver livelihoods are under pressure as they are not allowed to run their vehicles every day; an odd-even regime has been in place for much of the time since the Covid-19 pandemic began, though it was lifted through an order made by the DC today.
Nevertheless, Biam said that commuters are facing their fair share of challenges as well and an arbitrary hike in fares only adds to their woes.
Meanwhile, taxi association representative Wandonbok Jyrwa said, “I have not come across taxi drivers taking advantage of the situation. Despite the hike in fuel prices recently, we have not increased fares. Concerning the odd-even arrangement, we have spoken with the district administration to lift the restrictions as we are only able to work 12 days in a month and they have agreed.”
